Retrospective review of pediatric oral lesions from a dental school biopsy service.

UNLABELLED: This report presents a review of the results from 5457 biopsies of patients, 0-16 years of age, received over 15 years at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry (Pacific Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Laboratory).

PURPOSE: To carry out the largest and most up to date U.S. survey of oral specimens from children.

METHOD: The computerized data was retrieved and compiled for age and diagnoses. The lesions were divided by the MIND classification system into 1) Metabolic 2) Inflammatory 3) Neoplastic and 4) Developmental.

RESULTS

Inflammatory lesions formed the largest group of biopsies (2758, 51%) followed by Developmental conditions (1928, 35%) and Neoplasms (734, 13%). Dentigerous cysts were the most common lesions, followed by the mucous retention phenomenon (mucocele). The 15 most frequently occurring lesions accounted for 80% of all biopsies. Eight malignancies and 22 benign aggressive tumors were also included.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Pathoses increase with age. 2. Results from our study are similar to most of the other studies. 3. More serious pathoses occur in some countries where there is limited access to care, resulting in patients seeking care only when symptomatic. 4. Oral malignancies are rare, but as with any malignancy, early diagnosis renders a more favorable prognosis.